Housing Support for the Homeless Population

Housing Support for the Homeless Population

Housing support plays a critical role in addressing homelessness, providing individuals and families with stable living conditions that can lead to improved health, increased employment opportunities, and enhanced quality of life. Various strategies and programs have been developed to offer effective housing solutions for the homeless population, emphasizing the importance of stability as a foundation for recovery and reintegration into society.

Housing First Approach:

The Housing First model prioritizes providing permanent housing to homeless individuals without preconditions such as sobriety or employment. This approach has proven effective, as it allows individuals to stabilize their lives before addressing other issues like mental health, substance abuse, or unemployment. Studies indicate that those receiving housing assistance under this model tend to remain housed longer and experience fewer psychiatric problems.

Emergency Shelters:

Emergency shelters provide immediate, short-term relief for individuals and families facing homelessness. These facilities offer a safe place to stay while helping residents connect with resources for long-term housing solutions, such as case management services, job training, and mental health support.

Transitional Housing:

Transitional housing programs serve as a bridge between emergency shelters and permanent housing. They typically offer temporary accommodations combined with support services that assist residents in gaining independence and preparing for permanent housing.

Supportive Housing:

Supportive housing combines affordable housing with supportive services designed to meet the needs of vulnerable populations, including those with disabilities or chronic health issues. This model aims to provide a stable environment while addressing the complex challenges faced by these individuals.
Rental Assistance Programs:

Impact of Housing Support

Providing housing support to the homeless population has far-reaching benefits, not only for the individuals involved but also for communities as a whole. Stable housing reduces reliance on emergency services, decreases healthcare costs, and fosters community engagement. Moreover, when individuals have access to safe and secure housing, they are better positioned to pursue education and employment opportunities, leading to improved overall well-being.

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1601
TO BE ANSWERED ON FEBRUARY 13, 2025

HOUSING SUPPORT TO THE HOMELESS POPULATION

SHRI E T MOHAMMED BASHEER:

Will the Minister of HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to reduce homelessness and provide housing support to the homeless population;

(b) whether the Government has started any specific programmes/initiatives aimed at providing housing for vulnerable populations, such as elderly, disabled or veterans and if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the manner in which the Government is addressing the issues of eviction prevention, especially in urban areas with high rent costs?

ANSWER

(a) to (c): ‘Land’ and ‘Colonization’ are State subjects. Therefore, schemes related to housing for their citizens including homeless and vulnerable populations, such as elderly, disabled or veterans in their respective urban areas are implemented by States/Union Territories (UTs). However, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) supplements the efforts of States/UTs by providing Central Assistance under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U) since 25.06.2015 with an aim to provide all weather pucca houses with basic civic amenities to eligible urban beneficiaries including homeless population across the country.

Based on project proposals submitted by the State/UT Governments under PMAY-U, a total of 118.64 lakh houses have been sanctioned by the Ministry, out of which 112.46 lakh have been grounded and 90.36 lakh are completed/delivered to the beneficiaries including homeless and vulnerable populations in urban areas as on 03.02.2025. The remaining houses are at different stages of construction. The scheme period has been extended up to 31.12.2025 to complete all the houses sanctioned without changing the funding pattern and implementation methodology.

Further, based on the learning from the experiences of 9 years implementation of PMAY-U, MoHUA has revamped the scheme and launched PMAY-U 2.0 ‘Housing for All’ Mission with effect from 01.09.2024 for implementation in urban areas across the country to construct, purchase and rent a house by 1 crore additional eligible beneficiaries at affordable cost through four verticals i.e., Beneficiary Led Construction (BLC), Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP), Affordable Rental Housing (ARH) and Interest Subsidy Scheme (ISS). As per the scheme guidelines of PMAY-U 2.0, preference under the scheme is given to persons belonging to SC/ST, minorities, widows, single women, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, transgenders and other weaker and vulnerable sections of the society.

Additionally, the Government also supported Shelter for Urban Homeless under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM) to ensure availability and access of the urban homeless population to permanent shelters including the basic infrastructure facilities like water supply, sanitation, safety and security.

Tenancy is governed by State tenancy laws to balance interest of landlord and tenant. This Ministry has circulated Model Tenancy Act to States for adoption or adaptation to local scenario.

Conclusion

Addressing homelessness through effective housing support is crucial for fostering societal stability and improving the lives of vulnerable populations. By implementing a range of strategies—from the Housing First model to community-based initiatives—societies can create sustainable solutions that empower individuals to regain control over their lives and contribute positively to their communities. Continued investment in housing support is essential for making meaningful progress in the fight against homelessness.

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